Podcast Summary: Stay Tranquilo – Going Global with Mike Morroni
Episode Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Stay Tranquilo Network
Guest: Mike Morroni, Head of Global Expansion at H&Co.
Episode Overview
In this laid-back but insightful episode, Stay Tranquilo welcomes Mike Morroni, who leads the global expansion division at H&Co. The conversation centers on the dynamics, strategy, and mindset required for companies looking to expand internationally. Mike draws from his extensive career across over 100 countries, including stints living in Europe and Miami, to share practical advice about global business, tariffs, nearshoring, and the unique cultural experiences that come with working worldwide.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Mike's International Background and Role at H&Co.
[02:12] – [04:38]
- Mike’s career has always involved international business – from financial services in Spain to helping companies expand in London, and now leading global expansion efforts from Miami.
- H&Co. supports companies moving both into and out of the US, as well as expansion between emerging markets (e.g., Brazil to Colombia).
- Analogy: H&Co. handles behind-the-scenes logistics ("flying the plane") so clients focus on their core goals.
Quote:
“Our job is to just help people get where they want to go so they can achieve what they want to do. So they don’t have to worry about the logistics of it, and they don’t have to worry about, once they’re there, how’s it going to work?”
— Mike [03:49]
2. The Evolution of Global Expansion & Why Companies Expand
[04:38] – [06:49]
- Reasons for expansion:
- Access to new audiences/markets, often triggered by digital exposure (TikTok, Instagram).
- Cost efficiency; e.g., hiring in Colombia/Chile where salaries are lower than Miami.
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
- Not just large companies—smaller startups with $5–10 million revenue also expand globally, depending on opportunity rather than size.
Quote:
"You could have a smaller company...who sees opportunities and wants to go after it.”
— Mike [07:19]
3. Funding International Expansion
[08:26] – [09:03]
- Expansion can be internally funded or through external investment—especially common in tech, where global potential can drive funding rounds.
4. End-to-End Support from H&Co.
[09:14] – [11:04]
- Holistic services: market analysis, company incorporation, registrations, taxes, accounting, HR, legal compliance.
- Partnerships: For services they don’t provide directly, they connect clients to trusted partners (e.g., office spaces).
- Technology: Assistance with ERP, accounting/HR tech stack to operate abroad smoothly.
Quote:
“...if you’re sitting in Boston and you’re entering into Argentina, there’s just so much you don’t know...having someone who knows the right people and knows the right way to operate can absolutely help.”
— Mike [11:22]
5. Consulting and Market Selection
[12:07] – [12:37]
- H&Co. advises on which countries make sense for expansion—not just based on market potential, but also on taxation, treaties, and operational complexity.
6. Current Hotspots for Expansion
[12:54] – [14:29]
- LATAM: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia (“the big three”), Chile, Costa Rica.
- North America: US (for outsiders), Canada (increasingly popular).
- Europe: England, Netherlands.
- Middle East: Dubai & Saudi Arabia—now for more sectors than just oil/gas.
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, China (complex but large).
7. Trends by Industry and Region
[14:44] – [15:46]
- Tech firms rapidly reach 40-50+ countries.
- Sectors cluster by region/industry; e.g., auto in certain areas of Mexico, gaming where regulation opens up.
- Some expand for favorable tax or treaty structures, not just customer bases (e.g., Netherlands, Luxembourg).
8. Tariffs, Nearshoring, and Shifting Trade Patterns
[15:51] – [21:51]
- Major recent shift: US/China tariffs have driven companies to “nearshore” production—moving from China to Mexico to avoid import taxes.
- Some US companies now consider moving production out of the US to avoid counter-tariffs.
- Rapid policy changes create complex, often unintended consequences:
- Lack of infrastructure/rules insurance struggles.
- Companies have to be nimble—H&Co.'s job is to help them adapt, not wade into politics.
Quotes:
“The smart companies, they don’t look at [tariffs] and say, ‘Oh, I can’t do business.’ They look at it and say, ‘What do I need to do to maximize my business now in a new environment?’”
— Mike [16:57]
“We’re kind of not into the politics of it and why it’s happening. We just need to help companies react to what happens.”
— Mike [21:30]
9. Careers in International Expansion
[22:03] – [23:33]
- Recommended for passionate, adaptable learners.
- Cultural competency and firsthand experience valued over degrees alone.
- Get global: pursue jobs abroad, engage with international teams, and seek out exposure.
Quote:
“There’s a lot of learning...I couldn’t rattle off 10 countries where I know everything about. No one does. But it’s that constant learning and that ability to want to get into it.”
— Mike [22:13]
10. Mindset Shift: Thinking and Acting Global
[23:34] – [26:53]
- Firsthand domestic/international experiences open your mind to business possibilities abroad.
- Lisbon tech summit example: startups attracted by low costs, favorable taxes, and quality of life.
- Testing international interest is easier than ever via targeted ads and digital tools.
11. Cultural Adaptations: Living and Working Abroad
[27:06] – [32:22]
- Mike shares stories from Spain (language/cultural surprises), Europe, and Asia.
- Spanish punctuality (or lack thereof), Catalan vs. Castilian Spanish.
- Cultural attitudes toward time: being present vs. punctual.
- Ambition and work-life priorities differ; even within countries/regions these attitudes shift.
- Japan’s loyalty traditions in business, Switzerland’s regional differences.
Memorable Story:
“I remember the first job interview I had...the guy was an hour and a half late...he said, ‘I wasn’t being rude to you. It just would have been rude to the person I was with for me to leave what was a very important conversation ... I'll do the same with you... I want to spend time with you.’”
— Mike [28:57]
12. Sport and Culture: Global Experiences off the Clock
[33:27] – [37:54]
- Mike leverages business travel to attend iconic sports events worldwide (World Cup, Grand Slam tennis, football in Europe, cricket, rugby, etc.).
- Wild local scenes in Brazil, Argentina, Russia, France, and first-hand stories about tense moments and unforgettable atmospheres.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“The world has become a place where, you know, something gets on TikTok, gets wherever, and then all of a sudden the markets open up...” — Mike [05:06]
-
“You got to see it sometimes to feel it. People need to feel it right. And experience it. Cultures are different too, right.” — Mike [25:04]
-
“The advantage we have of being from the US is US products and US TV shows and movies have just gotten around the world so much...maybe less so than other countries who need to go in...” — Mike [26:00]
Suggested Listen: Timestamps for Important Segments
- Mike’s Global Background: [02:12] – [04:38]
- Evolution of Global Expansion: [04:38] – [06:49]
- Holistic Global Expansion Services: [09:14] – [11:04]
- Tariffs & Trade Policy Effects: [15:51] – [21:51]
- Building a Career in Global Business: [22:03] – [23:33]
- Cultural Learning Stories: [28:01] – [31:00]
- Sports as a Gateway to Culture: [33:27] – [37:54]
Final Thoughts
True to Stay Tranquilo’s approach, the episode balances practical global business insight with personal anecdotes and a reminder to keep things in perspective. Mike’s stories encourage listeners to embrace a global mindset—whether they’re business owners or aspiring professionals—and to value both adaptability and the joy of cultural discovery. Expanding internationally is as much about people and learning as it is about bottom lines.
“The world is becoming a smaller and smaller place...countries, at least right now, are becoming a little bit more protectionist, which means the rules are getting more complex. So in order to take advantage of it, you just need help to understand that.”
— Mike [38:40]